Manhunt 2 wins appeal for release

Rockstar Games has won an appeal to the Video Appeals Committee (VAC) which could lead to the release of its Manhunt 2 title in the UK.

The game was initially refused a rating by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) - essentially denying it a release in the UK - in June this year.

The censors focused on the title's "casual sadism" and focus on "brutal slaying", deciding not to issue a rating as a result - the first time this has happened since 1997.

However, that decision has been quashed the VAC, a panel within the BBFC, which ruled the classification body should reconsider its decision not to rate the game.

In effect this clears the way for the game's release in the UK, and Manhunt 2 will now be released with an 18 certificate unless the BBFC decides to contest the decision.

"The BBFC twice rejected Manhunt 2 for its focus on varied and cumulative killings," said David Cooke, director of the BBFC.

"We recognise rejection is a very serious step, in which the desire of publishers to market their games, and that of gamers to buy them, must be balanced against the public interest, including the full range of possible harm risks to vulnerable individuals and to any children who may be wrongly exposed to such games."

The BBFC reached its decision after playing the game for more than 30 hours.

However, it now looks certain to be released.

"We are committed to making great interactive entertainment, while also marketing our products responsibly and supporting an effective rating system," Rockstar said in a statement.

"We are pleased the decision of the VAC has recognised Manhunt 2 is well within the bounds established by other 18+ rated entertainment."

An edited version of the title went on sale earlier this year in America, while it has also fallen foul of censors in several other European countries.